May 13, 2025 by Ruby Ran IoT End Market Director of Sensing & Display, ID & Security, GlobalFoundries In our fast-paced digital world, display driver technology plays a crucial role in how we interact with devices, from televisions and PC monitors to smartphones and healthcare equipment. As technology continues to advance, the innovations in display and display drivers (DDIC) are transforming our viewing experiences and enhancing the functionality of various applications. For those designing display devices, GF offers a comprehensive long-term roadmap and will be your partner on this journey. We consider display an extremely important market, and whether you’re working in microdisplays or next-generation OLEDs or Mini LEDs, we can help. In this blog, we will explore the latest trends and innovations in display driver technology across different sectors. Television: A New Era of Visual Experience Television technology has advanced significantly, and display drivers are at the heart of this evolution. With the rise of 4K and 8K resolution TVs, display drivers are now capable of handling higher bandwidths to support these ultra-high-definition formats. Innovations such as High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) require advanced display drivers that can process and render richer colors and deeper contrasts, providing viewers with a more immersive experience. Moreover, the integration of smart technology in TVs has led to the development of display drivers that support advanced features like variable refresh rates and low latency modes, enhancing gaming experiences and streaming quality. As we move towards OLED and MicroLED technologies, display drivers will continue to evolve with enhanced driving architecture including microIC to enable low dimming, ensuring that we can enjoy stunning visuals with minimal power consumption. GF’s 150MCU technology with 5V core and ultra-low mask layer count is the ideal platform to address the microIC needs in both performance and cost competitiveness. Image Source: Sony PC Monitors: Enhancing Productivity and Gaming In the realm of PC monitors, display driver technology has seen significant advancements aimed at improving productivity and gaming experiences. Modern display drivers now support features like G-Sync and FreeSync, which synchronize the refresh rates of the monitor with the graphics card, reducing screen tearing and providing smoother gameplay. Additionally, the rise of ultrawide and multi-monitor setups has necessitated the development of display drivers that can efficiently manage multiple displays, ensuring seamless transitions and consistent color accuracy across screens. Innovations in display technology, such as Mini-LED and Quantum Dot displays, are also pushing the boundaries of what display drivers can achieve, offering users vibrant colors and enhanced contrast ratios. GF is offering a comprehensive solution to serve the IC needs in this market. From middle size OLED monitors with 55HV, to microLED backplane with 22FDX+uLED, GF is leading the foundry effort to enhance PC monitor displays. Image source: Apple Vision Pro Smartphones: The Power of Portability Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, and display driver technology is key to delivering high-quality visuals on these compact devices. With the advent of high-resolution displays, such as Retina and AMOLED screens, display drivers must efficiently manage power consumption while providing stunning visuals. Recent innovations include adaptive refresh rate technology, which adjusts the screen’s refresh rate based on the content being displayed, optimizing battery life without compromising on performance. Furthermore, advancements in touch technology, such as in-display fingerprint sensors and haptic feedback, rely on sophisticated display drivers to create a seamless user experience. GF’s advanced 22FDX+HV platform is addressing the need for the next generation high performance smartphone display, with integrated an edge AI processor, sensor hubs and wireless connectivity. Healthcare: Revolutionizing Patient Care In the healthcare sector, display driver technology is playing a vital role in improving patient care and diagnostics. Medical imaging devices, such as MRI and CT scanners, rely on high-resolution displays to provide clear and accurate images for diagnosis. Innovations in display drivers ensure that these images are rendered with precision, allowing healthcare professionals to make informed decisions. Moreover, telemedicine has gained traction, especially in recent years, and display drivers are essential for delivering high-quality video consultations. The ability to transmit clear visuals in real-time is crucial for effective remote patient monitoring and consultations, making display driver technology a key component in the future of healthcare. GF’s enhanced 40HV technology with increased voltage to 34V is addressing the high-resolution, high-contrast needs in healthcare display. Image source: AG Neovo What’s next? As we continue to embrace new technologies, display driver innovations will remain at the forefront of enhancing our visual experiences across various industries. From televisions and PC monitors to smartphones and healthcare applications, the advancements in display driver technology are paving the way for richer, more immersive interactions. As we look to the future, we can expect even more exciting developments that will redefine how we see and engage with the world around us. For more information on how GF can help you build your advanced display devices, contact me at [email protected] Ruby Yan is a seasoned Business Line Director at GlobalFoundries, where she oversees the Sensing & Display, ID & Security business line. With more than 13 years of experience in the company, she has held various roles and responsibilities including technology development and product management. Ruby established company initiatives in AR/VR/MR and wearables with comprehensive go-to market strategy and is a Master Inventor in GlobalFoundries, boasting an impressive track record with more than 20 patents granted and over 70 peer-reviewed papers published.
